The growth of Eden Hazard and 4 more things to watch in the Premier League this weekend

Wanting more: Can Hazard begin to truly propel himself into the very top bracket? (Image: Reuters)

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After the international break, domestic football returned with a bang last weekend.

Sergio Aguero showed his phenomenal side, while Sunderland brought the laughter (unless you happen to be a Mackem fan) as they were shockingly beaten 8-0 at Southampton. Everton approached something like their best in beating Aston Villa 3-0, Swansea boss Garry Monk had his say on diving while Arsenal and Manchester United both played out 2-2 draws against Hull and West Brom respectively.

Oh and Jose Mourinho's Chelsea won again to further solidify their place at the top of the table - even without the injured Diego Costa.

This weekend the Blues head to Old Trafford, as Mourinho pits his wits against a former mentor in the form of United boss Louis van Gaal. With two of the league's most thrilling attacks, goals would appear to be the order of the day.

Here's a look at some of the things to keep on eye on:

1. Manchester City braced for Hammers test

Champions Manchester City head to Upton Park for Saturday's lunchtime kick off, looking to ramp up the pressure on league leaders Chelsea and with Sergio Aguero in blistering form.

Valencia arrived in the East End for £12million, after a World Cup where he scored three time for his country and having been top scorer in Mexico's Liga MX during the opening six months of 2014. His pace, aerial threat and willingness to run channels has added greater versatility to the Hammers attacking play.

Alongside him, Sakho has added punch. The Frenchman wasn't initially wanted by Allardyce, who had to be persuaded to take him for £4.4million from Metz. For both parties, it's been more than beneficial, with Sakho already netting five Premier League goals in as many starts, an average of a goal every 94 minutes. Additionally, he's shown a certain dexterity in scoring them: A deliciously delicate chip against Liverpool, close range finishes against Manchester United, and QPR, and an excellent header last time out against Burnley - when Valencia also notched.

With Stewart Downing revelling centrally, Alex Song adding a touch of guile in midfield and Aaron Cresswell's crossing from the left a new attacking weapon, the Hammers have pushed themselves into a top four spot. City's rearguard will need to stand strong at Upton Park.

2. Responses at the Stadium of Light

This weekend Gus Poyet will be looking for a reaction from all of his players, some of whom visibly appeared to give up during the course of their St Mary's mauling - not naming names, but there was a non-challenge in the build-up to Victor Wanyama's goal that certainly raised eyebrows, particularly given the player involved.

Dejected: Sunderland will look to fight back on home soil (Image: Getty)

Before the debacle, Poyet's side had been very much in games, and actually had a positive goal difference (despite just one win) from their opening seven games. How they respond against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light will tell us much about whether they can drag themselves away from the relegation zone.

At the same time, Arsene Wenger's men will also be looking for a response after a difficult recent run of their own. Although they've only been beaten by Chelsea in the league so far, the Gunners have failed to win in 75 percent of their league games - registering five draws in their opening eight matches - and have taken just two points from the last nine on offer, to fall increasingly off the pace.

As such, their chances of a title challenge appear gone already; they are 11 points behind Chelsea and the season is only two months old.

3. Southampton's shining Serbian

While Liverpool's £20million Serbian Lazar Markovic is still to make any impression at Anfield, a compatriot of his - who cost little more than half the price - is setting pulses racing on the south coast.

The 25-year-old's goal was his first in the Premier League since arriving at St Mary's from FC Twente for £10.9million in the summer, as something of a direct replacement for both Adam Lallana (sold) and Jay Rodriguez (injured). Known to new boss Koeman following his exploits in the Eredivisie, Tadic was signed not only to add the Joie de vivre to the Saints attack which had been lost with Lallana's sale - but also to add a more clinical edge.

A flexible attacker who likes to drift between the lines from his nominal starting spot on the left side, he's every bit a goal threat as he is a creator. Tadic struck 32 goals in his two years with the Dutch club, as well as adding 36 assists; all in, he had a direct hand in 68 goals in 85 games. By contrast, £26million Lallana managed 13 goals and 14 assists in 72 games during his final two seasons with Southampton.

Dusan Tadic at Twente

85

Appearances

32

Goals

36

Assists

via Transfermarkt

Already Tadic has played a direct part in 10 goals in as many games since joining the Saints (two goals, eight assists) across all competitions, and his link up with fellow newbies Graziano Pelle and Ryan Bertrand has allowed the Saints to flourish as an attacking force down the left.

Gradually the Serb is becoming more central to his side's attacks, with his penchant for perfectly-weighted passes and well-flighted crosses already proving a profitable avenue for Koeman's men.

How Stoke City cope with the creative midfielder on Saturday, will dictate whether the Saints can further cement their place in the Premier League's top three.

4. How long can Harry Kane be ignored?

Another Thursday night in the Europa League for Tottenham Hotspur meant only one thing this week: More goals for Harry Kane.

Thursday night's 5-1 win over Asteras Tripoli saw Kane help himself to a hat-trick, taking his tally to six goals in five matches in Europe thus far. The first was an excellent low drive from 25-yards, while he scored twice from close range - scruffy goals, which are a No.9's stock in trade - to earn the match ball.

And yet, in the Premier League, the London-born forward still isn't deemed worthy of a starting spot. So far he's appeared for just 44 minutes; even last weekend, with Emmanuel Adebayor missing, Roberto Soldado was preferred.

Mauricio Pochettino says that Kane is doing everything asked of him and that he's happy with how he's developing. But if that's really the case, then why does he not use him in the Premier League?

Whether as a No.9 or in a withdrawn role among the attacking midfielders in Pochettino's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, how long can Kane continue to be ignored where domestic action is concerned. Sunday's team sheet when Newcastle come calling will make interesting reading.

5. Less decoration, more domination from Hazard

In the opening weeks of the season, Chelsea have pretty much swept all before them in the Premier League, ascending to the top of the table with 22 points from a possible 24 and having scored 23 goals in the process.

Simply, Jose Mourinho's men have looked awesome, playing some quite brilliant stuff - witness Cesc Fabregas' goal in the win at Crystal Palace last weekend - and showing a hunger to mix things when the going gets tough as well. And at the heart of their rise to the top of the table and a five point lead have been two summer signings: Fabregas and top scorer Diego Costa.

Sweet strike: Hazard nets his second against Maribor in midweek (Image: Reuters)

The performances of that duo have rightfully led to acclaim from regular watchers, but they aren't the only ones: John Terry and Nemanja Matic have been rock solid in defence, Branislav Ivanovic has patrolled the right flank from full-back with a quiet strength - both in defence and attack - while Willian has also been efficient.

But the man who could be on the verge of bursting out and truly becoming the "difference maker" that Ronald Koeman spoke of during Sky's Champions League coverage in midweek is Eden Hazard - who struck twice in the 6-0 win over NK Maribor.

The Belgian has two league goals and two assists during the opening eight league fixtures and his all-round play has been very, very good. Taking the ball in tricky situations, evading challenges and dragging his side up the field with his running ability, Hazard has been one of the Blues standout players.

Eden Hazard: In the Premier League

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Appearances

25

Goals

25

Assists

But such are the 23-year-olds gifts that there's a feeling Hazard should now be starting to be more decisive. Doing what the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Arjen Robben and Neymar do: Not merely decorating games, but dominating them.

Last term Hazard struck 17 goals in all competitions for the Blues. He has four in 12 this season (including two penalties). If he really is to start meeting the marks of those players of whom he is compared - the likes of those mentioned above - then he does need to start being more decisive in the final third, on a more consistent basis. Certainly Jose Mourinho is trying to drag it from him.

During his 23rd year, Ronaldo helped himself to 31 Premier League goals as he led United to both Premier League and Champions League glory. With Costa and Loic Remy both expected to be missing due to injury this weekend, the Theatre of Dreams would be the perfect place for Hazard to start doing likewise.